The University of Twente is working to become a sustainable organization. It is our mission to respond to societal needs by developing sustainable, proactive measures to support our planet and the people to which it is home. And as a university, we lead by example. Our education, research, innovation and the way we run our own organisation are centred around environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Various groups at UT are focused on realising these goals. Here you will find an overview of these groups, as well as information on measures UT takes, what that means for you and how you can help us achieve our goals.
The SEE Programme Team develops and guides the process to become a sustaianble university. The SEE programme developed the Sustainability Policy for Opernational Management, develops plans to reach common goals, monitors and evaluates UT's performance and engages with colleagues UT-wide on integrating sustainability in their daily work. All while ensuring good communication to all stakeholders.
Green Hub Twente is the central point where actionable knowledge and initiatives across a holistic spectrum of sustainability matters converge and reinforce each other. Founded in August 2020, Green Hub plays an active role in the change management for sustainability at UT.
Green Hub Twente is a student-driven and staff-supported work environment where the Student Green Officers also develop skills and competencies for managing and leading on sustainability in professional life, with guidance from the Coordinator, support team, and associated partners and mentors in the growing Green Hub ecosystem.
Green Hub operates based on three pillars: educate, coach, and connect communities both internal and external UT. Green Hub Twente is working actively in the sustainable development of organizations and institutions, therefore, all the projects initiated and finalized are in line with at least one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Members of the SEE working group implement plans to meet sustainability policy goals together with stakeholders in faculties and service departments. Additionally, they discuss and align plans on sustainable operations across UT faculties and departments and report issues arising at faculty of service department back to the other working group members.
SUSTAIN OUR WORLD, DESIGN YOUR FUTURE
Sustainability Week is an annual week filled with fun and educational events, designed to inspire, and engage participants to join the sustainability movement. The week is organised by students and staff at the University of Twente, Saxion, and ROC van Twente, combining their powers to host sustainability-filled events! Through these events, the participants are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in sustainability, explore new topics and learn how to tackle complex environmental challenges.
- 5 Sep, 2023Circular Economy Platform Twente Workshop: register now!
Join us for an engaging workshop titled "Exploring Circular Economy Solutions for a Sustainable Future," taking place on 12 October 2023 (11:00-14:00) at the University of Twente (UT) Campus. Delve into the principles of circular economy and its pivotal role in addressing sustainability challenges through a carefully crafted agenda.
- 25 Aug, 2023New videographic helps you to sort waste properly
Students of Green Hub Twente have created a video that provides information on the amount of waste produced at UT each year. It also shows how to properly sort waste and the explains what happens with the waste after it has been disposed of. Curious? Watch the video down below and help us realise a waste free campus in 2030!
- 17 Jul, 2023Sustainable Labs Coordinator at UT: working towards sustainable labs with users
Sustainability is an increasingly hot topic at UT. Our laboratories use a lot of energy and also produce a lot of waste. This can be done differently, according to Rolf Slaats. He has been full-time sustainable labs coordinator at the TNW faculty for some time now. "My ultimate goal is that we can carry out the same research here at UT in the future as we do now, but without the negative impact on the environment."
- 4 Jul, 2023Climate Centre awards nine climate related projects €190.000 in seed funding
During its second Climate Café on July 4, the University of Twente Climate Centre awarded a total of €190.000 in seed funding to nine climate-related research- and education projects. The projects vary from developing a smart water management system for a farm in Enschede, exploring the possibility of a pilot for a low-cost geothermal well on campus, to combating climate misinformation through the use of virtual reality.
- 29 Jun, 2023Reminder: no more disposable coffee cups as of July 1
Free single-use plastics will no longer be used on campus from July 1 onwards. On that date, new legislation goes into effect that aims to reduce plastic waste by making 'Bring your Own’ and reusable packaging the norm.
- 28 Jun, 2023Reflection on the Sustainability Dialogues: turning ideas into action
We pause to take stock, look back at the Dialogue’s outcomes, and look ahead to how it will help us accelerate our sustainability transition, knowing that science, technology and innovation – in concert with the social sciences and humanities - will be important factors in addressing climate change and its impact.
- 8 Jun, 2023Sustainability Exhibition now on display in the Waaier!
Are you curious about what UT does to become a sustainable organisation? Then take a look at the new Sustainability exhibition!